EDA

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes EDA The purpose of the Blaine Economic Development Authority is to increase the City’s commercial/industrial tax base, provide employment opportunities, undertake redevelopment to enhance and maintain neighborhood economic stability, and address special needs, such as senior housing. As authorized under Minnesota State statutes, the Blaine City Council also serves as the Blaine Economic Development Authority. This meeting will be a hybrid of Zoom and in-person. The Mayor has signed a declaration allowing members of the council, staff, and the public to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom as has been done during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council chambers will have limited seating, with audience chairs being set up at least six feet apart. There will be an overflow area where the meeting can be watched in the Cloverleaf Farms Room, also with chairs set up at least six feet apart. Please note that all visitors to city hall are required to wear a face mask while inside the building. Public comments may be submitted prior to the meeting by sending an email to PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or by calling 763-717-2782 no later than Noon on Monday April 5. Public comment during the meeting will be taken both remotely via Zoom and in-person in the council chambers. Members of the public can join the Zoom webinar at, https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/93364450899 Monday, September 21, 2020 Council Chambers and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city meetings will also be held as virtual meetings. The EDA meeting will take place immediately following the regular City Council meeting. 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:43PM. by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this hybrid meeting was held both virtually and in person. 2 Roll Call Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes September 21, 2020 Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Public Services Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Engineer Dan Schluender; City Planner Lori Johnson; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 3 - Commissioner Robertson, Commissioner Paul, and Commissioner Hovland Absent: 1 - Commissioner Jeppson 3 Minutes 3-1 APPROVAL OF JULY 6, 2020 EDA MINUTES Attachments: July 6 Minutes Moved by Commissioner Paul, seconded by Commissioner Hovland, that the Minutes of July 6, 2020, be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted. Commissioner Swanson abstained from voting on these minutes due to his absence. Aye 5 - Ryan Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland Abstain 1 - Swanson 4 New Business 4-1 AUTHORIZE THE BLAINE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HAVING ALL THE POWERS OF A HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF BLAINE FOR 2021 Finance Director Huss stated Minnesota statutes require special taxing districts to certify preliminary property tax levies to county auditors by September 30. The Blaine Economic Development Authority (EDA) functions as a special taxing district and is therefore, authorized to levy taxes under these same enabling statutes. From the City's most recent Comprehensive Plan, Blaine will encourage "through land use and the City's EDA (Economic Development Authority), development that creates access to sustainable jobs for the residents of Blaine. Development of corporate offices, professional and financial services, research, medical manufacturing and medical services, education and emerging industrial technology will be focal points in helping to create a well-balanced and vital economy for the City and its residents." The City, through the EDA, will "dedicate staff resources to monitoring the economic health of the City and assisting businesses in relocation or expansion within the City." It was noted the amount that would be levied for 2021 City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes September 21, 2020 would be $700,000. Commissioner Paul questioned if seniors could defer paying taxes to the EDA. Mr. Huss reported this would not be possible. Moved by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by President Ryan, that Resolution No. 20-12, “Authorize the Blaine Economic Development Authority, having all the Powers of a Housing Redevelopment Authority, to Levy a Property Tax Upon a Taxable Property in the City of Blaine for 2021,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Ryan Swanson Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland 5 Other Business None. 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Paul, seconded by Commissioner Hovland, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45PM. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Ryan Swanson Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland City of Blaine Page 3